As the long summer days drift away and autumn takes hold, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the past season’s activities at the beach.

It’s been a very busy season this year and it’s been great to see so many new and familiar faces in the crowd, enjoying the training opportunities for both kids and adults.

We’ve also welcomed aboard some new members of both the training, and lifeguarding teams to support our activities and I take this opportunity to thank you all for your support. You all make this club tick, whether it be by coming along to training, by bringing your kids to the beach, cleaning up afterwards, making the tea, you name it, we couldn’t function without you so thanks again for the part that you play.

Looking ahead to next year, I would love to see more of you involved with patrolling on a Sunday. You don’t need to be a lifeguard as there are plenty of support opportunities too, but we really need your help to be able to provide full cover on a Sunday throughout the July/August peak season.

I’m aware that many of you are enthusiastic, reliable and may have transferable skills from the emergency services, armed forces, medical professions and by being good watermen and women. You are just what we need. Don’t be shy, get in touch and let me know if you would like to help out. Any commitment, large or small would be greatly appreciated.

Now I would like your thoughts on something. Would it help if we moved the Nipper and Youth training to Sunday morning? This would allow some of you to support lifeguard operations in the afternoon when we are at our busiest. Please let me have your thoughts on this and if this would work for you and your family.

I would also like your thoughts and opinions on what has gone well and how we could make things better. 2016 has been a fantastic season and I’m passionate about ensuring the club goes from strength to strength. So please, drop me a line at payne-d3@sky.com or give me a call on 07988 268420. I’d really appreciate your feedback.

Finally, our AGM will be in January this year and I hope to see you all there. The date and time will be confirmed soon.

See you at the beach or in the water, and thanks once again for your continued support of Bantham Surflifesaving Club.